Valve has updated its guidelines concerning the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in video games on its platform, Steam. The new rules require developers to disclose specific instances when generative AI is utilized in their games. This significant revision aims to provide transparency to players and stakeholders about the technology’s role in game development.
According to Simon Carless of GameDiscoverCo, the updated guidelines clarify that not all AI tools necessitate disclosure. For instance, tools that assist in coding and enhance efficiency, often referred to as code helpers, do not fall under this requirement. Instead, the focus is on two particular categories of generative AI that must be disclosed.
The first category involves the use of AI to generate content for the game itself. This includes AI-generated materials found within the game, on the store page, or in any marketing collateral. The second category pertains to AI content generated during gameplay, which encompasses images, audio, text, and other content produced by AI as players engage with the game.
This move follows Valve’s initial requirement in 2024 that developers disclose their use of generative AI in the creation of their games. Although the disclosures are voluntary, the actual number of games employing generative AI is believed to be higher than reported. Surveys conducted last year indicated a growing interest among companies in utilizing generative AI tools, even as a notable number reported no intention of using such technologies.
Valve’s decision to enhance transparency reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry as developers and publishers strive to balance innovation with ethical considerations. As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into game design and development, the importance of clear communication regarding its application will likely continue to grow.
By establishing these guidelines, Valve aims to foster trust among its user base and promote responsible use of generative AI in the gaming industry, setting a precedent for other platforms and developers to follow.
